We were smart on Saturday and went to Safeway on the way back to the Airbnb. We grabbed some stuff for snacks and breakfast so we wouldn't have to head out of town every time we wanted something to eat. So we had some breakfast and some adult time before getting out to see what GJT and the Western Slope had to offer.
Riley was striking his Tartuffe stage until later so we headed east, about 10 miles out of Junction to Palisades, where they were having the last summer street fair of the year. It was a little like Snoqualmie once we got there; small town, older homes, quaint little Main street where the fair took place. The main difference would be the mesas to the north, just next to I-70, where we drove in.
We walked up and down the street and Marci wanted to get a sweatshirt, so she tried one on, but we left it there in case there were others in the fair (there weren't). There were some cool pottery places, a guy selling earplugs of all things (gun related), tons of dogs (Colorado dogs are so well behaved!) and just a lot of nice people.
We had to find something to eat, as it was past lunch time and we were getting hungry. There was a place called the 357 Bar and Grill, which Marci thought would be OK, and it might have been, but the Olde English font of the name, the name itself, and the fact that it was in a conservative little town led me to think that it might not be the best place for us.
There were a bunch of dudes wearing "We the People" shirts and things like that; nothing overly overt, but definitely signaling their beliefs. Whatever. People were nice enough.
We went to lunch at Fidel's, a Mexican restaurant, where we paid $8/taco and it was sort of a rip off. Tasted good enough, but the ones at Gracia in Ballard were the same price and twice as much food given.
After that, we walked around some more looking for dessert, but found none, so headed back to Junction, where we ended up at the Goodwill. No agenda, we just love thrifting, but aside from a couple shirts, they had nothing awesome.
By this time, Riley was done with striking the set, so we headed to his place to see it and hang out a bit. We met his roommate Corinne and chatted a bit before he and I decided to do something about his car. Since earlier this year, he's said that the trunk won't open. Also, he needed an oil change and his tires need air. So there was an O'Reillys nearby and we went to get him oil, wipers and wiper fluid. We got back to his place and I topped off the oil, he put in more fluid, we switched out his wipers and then we got to work on the trunk.
It was a family affair. He was stuffed in the trunk trying to take out the inner liner. I was coaching him up and Marci was on her phone looking for ideas and solutions. Riley finally got the liner out and Marci found a post saying how to flip a lever on the trunk locking mechanism. We finally got it open and after some more troubleshooting, found that the wire harness might have a break in a wire somewhere. Moving the door open, the electrics worked. As we closed the door, the wires would crimp and lose connection.
So at least we have an idea of what to do next and he can open the trunk if he absolutely needs to. I'll have to look at it when he comes home in the summer.
Hannah came over later and we went to Pablo's Pizza on Main Street, where we ate with Haley a few years ago. It was fun hanging there and talking to the kids. Riley and I had the M's on my phone via Youtube TV. I love technology. Pizza was good and Riley and Hannah are cute together.
Pizza ended and we said goodbye to the kids. They left and we headed back to the Airbnb where Marci did some schoolwork, and I watched the M's win with Julio driving Cal home. Then I watched the Seahawks play a great offensive but terrible defensive game, losing 38-35 on a walkoff field goal by TB. Bummer.
Today was pretty chill as we were flying out. We buttoned up the house, fed some goats, then headed to Riley's house to drop off his car. We had our pizza from last night in the house as Corinne studied in her living room. A great Lyft driver named Jose picked us up and we took the short ride to GJT where, of all things, my sea salt spray for my hair got confiscated (I still don't know why). Marci got patted down and we both got our shoes swabbed.
The walk from gate to gat e at Salt Lake City was easier, but we had more time this time, so that helped. The flight back wasn't bad except for a poor baby who pretty much cried the whole time. We both had earbuds in so no big deal.
Haley and Blake picked us up from the airport and we made it home in one piece. Now it's back to work tomorrow and to see if I'm able to sneak watch the Mariners on tv.
